Radek86

I'm wondering how hard is it to convert a mustang (86-93) from its Factory 2.3L, to a 5.0L from of the same year! can the 5.0 be droped in with the 4 cly, wiring? or do i need to change that? i know the front suspension will hang a bit, it did with my 86. anyway, i just thought i'd find out what it takes, thier alot of nice stangs for sale around here, but thier fairly $$$$, the 2.3L's are going for around $1000-$1500Cdn. and i'd be saving alot of money buying a 5.0, and throwing it into the 4cly. mustang!

StangMang

I'm pretty sure it'd cost alot...you'd need to change everything almost....engine (obviously), tranny, rear end, suspention i think too....just go buy a 5.0

Radek86

Well i thought of just buyin a 5.0 stang, but the cheapest one i found here in the past year was $5500. I cant afford to spend that kinda money when my job is as crappy as it is! when i changed my 86 from a 2.3 to a 5.0, i left all the stock items on it, rear end, suspension... the only problem i had was the 5.0 was out of a late 60's cougar, so nothing would fit together. thats why i thought it would of been easier just buyin a cheap mustang. i wouldnt want to race it so i wouldnt be afraid of the rear end, and the suspension would give it a lower look LOL! i dont know i think i'm still buyin a cheap 2.3L just to drive, and if i feel i need more power i'll think of somethin!

83GT306

Ahem...1985 was the first year for the roller-cam in a 5.0 Mustang.
All 302s up to 1982 were referred to as, well, 302s.
In 1983 they started calling them 5.0HOs. They threw in a 351W cam with a bit more lift, which changed the firing order to 13726548 from the past 302's 15426378. 1982 GTs had a 2bbl. carb. The 1983 was the first with a factory aluminum 4bbl. intake w/ a Motorcraft/Holley emissions 4bbl. carb.
Also 1983 was the first year of those stupid pinched primary factory shorty headers.
The 5.0HO in 1983 was only rated at 175 hp, but still up from the previous year's 140 hp...I think?
This is just from the top of my head, and I'm no expert.
But in 1985, the roller-cam found it's way into the 5.0HO for an increase to 210 hp.
Then, in 1986, speed density EEC IV computerized multi-point fuel injection was introduced to the 5.0HO which leveled it out at 225 hp.

It's no wonder the 302 from the late 60's car wouldn't work, everything was different...oil pan, engine balance, pulley system.

The '79-'93 Mustangs are fox-bodied cars that use a dual-sump oil pan, 50 oz. harmonic balancer and corresponding flywheel instead of the older 28 oz. imbalance, different pullies, etc...

If you get a 5.0HO for your Stang, just make sure and get one from an '85 and up for the roller-cammed engine. All the right accessories for the engine should be included in the buy.
But going from a 2.3 to a 5.0 is a bit more involved...swapping computers, re-doing some wiring, etc...
But you can take an EFI 5.0HO and convert it to carburetion by swapping the intake, either using the already there in-tank fuel pump with a pressure regulator under the hood, or changing the engine front timing cover and cam sprocket to accept a mechanical fuel pump eccentric and mechanical fuel pump, swapping the distributor for a Duraspark II w/ ignition box....it all seems to be a hassle I guess.

Maybe it would be best to just buy a 5.0HO equipped car?

Oh yeah, welcome!!
I'm sure there are people here who could help you if I can't.

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